As a self-proclaimed tree-hugger and earth-lover, I strive to live my life and run my business as earth-friendly as possible.  From recycling anything I can to reusing a multitude of items to collecting all of the beer bottles at the end of any of my friends’ infamous gatherings, protecting our environment is something that is near and dear to my heart (and maybe even a little annoying to my friends, who I constantly badger about recycling).

This passion has run over into my business, as well.  Because of this almost obsessive habit, I have found many ways to reduce my business’ footprint on the environment.  My everyday green business practices include,

-reusing packing/shipping materials

-purchasing products only through green labs, which use solar/wind power, environmentally friendly inks, and recycled materials in their products

-using recycled materials such as envelopes, folders, cards, etc.

-using rechargable batteries for my equipment as much as possible

-utilizing a paperless system as much as possible by taking care of questionnaires, forms, and sometimes even contracts electronically

-walking to meetings/events as much as possible, and driving my fuel-efficient car when I can’t walk.

This year, in honor of Earth Day, I decided to take my green efforts a bit further and participate in the Earth Day promotion being offered by one of my green labs, Design Aglow.  This promotion encouraged photographers to purchase at least $50 of product, and in return, they would plant a tree in our name.  I took double advantage of this promotion and placed two separate orders, which resulted in two trees being planted.  In a world where deforestation, consumerism, commercialization, and globalization are more important than preservation, two trees can make a huge difference.

Here is a snippet of the kind email from Design Aglow, which describes the results of their promotion.

As a photographer, one of my main purposes is to capture beauty.  Beauty of people, beauty of surroundings, beauty of our world.  Therefore, it is an inherent responsibility to maintain the beauty of our world, and through my green practices, I’m glad to say that I am doing my part, however small it may be, to preserve that beauty.  I ask that you join me, and do what you can to maintain a beautiful planet for our beautiful future generations.

For more info on green practices, feel free to email me at hello@ericakayphotography.com!

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